New Iran president backs Syria's Assad, Hezbollah

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's president-elect has sent messages to Syria's Bashar Assad and Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group, reaffirming support for the two allies.

Ebrahim Noroozi

FILE - In this Monday, June 17, 2013 file photo, Iranian President-elect Hasan Rouhani, places his hand on his heart as a sign of respect, after speaking at a news conference, in Tehran, Iran. Rouhani on Monday leveled his first criticism of the outgoing administration since June's election, saying it has mismanaged the country's economy. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

FILE - In this Monday, June 17, 2013 file photo, Iranian President-elect Hasan Rouhani, places his hand on his heart as a sign of respect, after speaking at a news conference, in Tehran, Iran. Rouhani on Monday leveled his first criticism of the outgoing administration since June's election, saying it has mismanaged the country's economy. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)